DUI Driver Causes Fatal Accident

It is important that people realize that choosing to drive while under the influence of a mind altering substance affects more than just the driver. In fact, choosing to drive while impaired can end up having a devastating effect on other people’s lives. It is possible that while you were driving under the influence, you may have ended up hitting another driver. In some cases, all this collision does is cause damage to your vehicle as well as the other vehicle(s) involved in the crash. But, in some cases, this collision could result in the death of the other party, which, if convicted of DUI, could greatly change your life. Today, we’re going to talk about a situation where this is exactly what happened.

From DUI to 32 Years in Prison

Back in January of 2013, a man named Kris Raymond McClain was driving while under the influence and crashed into another vehicle that was stopped at a red light. This crash killed 19-year old Hayley Stevens and injured both her mother and niece. At the time of the collision, McClain was under the influence of both marijuana and Lorazepam, which is a sedative used to treat seizure related disorders. This sedative has been found to impair memory, judgement, and coordination, which is why it is illegal to drive while under the influence of the substance. Upon checking his blood, it was found that McClain had 16-nanograms of THC in his system, which having any amount present in the blood will result in a DUI under Arizona law.

This last February, the court case against McClain occurred, which resulted in the jury determining that McClain was guilty of the damages he caused while driving under the influence. On the 24th of March, 2016, McClain was sentenced to 32 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, with no eligibility for early release. Not only did McClain drive while under the influence, but his actions also resulted in the death of one and injuries to two others. And all of this could have prevented had he simply chosen to not drive that day.

When you choose to drink and drive, or drive while under the influence of any impairing substance, you are choosing to potentially kill another driver. This is something that every person who drives must realize. Looking at the consequences McClain received for his actions, it is clear that driving while impaired never pays off.

Contact Our Office for a Free Case Review

As you can see, the consequences of driving while under the influence can be much greater than a DUI conviction. You could end up not only ending the life of another, but ruining your own. It is important that you never drive while drunk or under the influence of an impairing substance. If you do make this choice and are arrested for DUI, then we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a no-obligation case review with the team here at the Weingart Firm.